What is a chest infection?

A chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that impacts the lower part of your respiratory tract.

Your lower respiratory tract includes your windpipe, bronchi, and lungs.

What are the symptoms of a chest infection?

The symptoms of a chest infection can include:

1:chesty cough (wet or phlegmy)

2:wheezing

3:coughing up yellow or green mucus

4:feeling short of breath

5:discomfort in your chest

6:fever

7:headache

8:muscle aches and pains

9:feeling tired or fatigued

What causes a chest infection?

A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection.

For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin.

You may be at an increased risk for a chest infection if you:

1:are elderly

2:are pregnant

3:are a baby or young child

4:smoke

5:have a chronic health condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), asthma, or diabetes

6:have a weakened immune system, either from a condition such HIV, or from being the recipient of an organ transplant

When to seek help from a healthcare provider

In some cases, a chest infection, such as acute bronchitis, will go away on its own and you won’t have to see a doctor.